The tragedy of Pompeii: earthquakes and the eruption of Vesuvius reveal its devastating end

Almost 2,000 years ago, in the year 79 A.D., the prosperous city of Pompeii in Ancient Rome was devastated by a natural disaster that marked its tragic end. The eruption of Mount Vesuvius, which spewed ash and lava over the city, was not the only factor that triggered the massive destruction and loss of thousands of lives. A recent study conducted by the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV) of Italy, in collaboration with the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, has revealed the importance of the strong earthquakes that shook the region in that fateful year. This detailed analysis of the seismic activity associated with the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A.D. has brought to light new information about the tragic events that led to the disappearance of Pompeii. The discovery of two skeletons in the ruins of a building in the city has been crucial in understanding how the combination of earthquakes and volcanic eruption triggered the tragedy. These skeletal remains show clear signs of trauma, suggesting that the victims lost their lives when the walls of the building they were in collapsed, possibly due to an earthquake. Pliny the Younger, in his letters two millennia ago, mentioned the presence of strong earthquakes during the eruption of Vesuvius. However, this is the first time that a scientific study has been conducted to delve into the impact of these earthquakes on the destruction of Pompeii. Domenico Sparice, a volcanologist at the INGV-Osservatorio Vesuviano and lead author of the study, highlights the importance of understanding the interaction between volcanic and seismic phenomena to reconstruct the catastrophic events that led to the city's collapse. Excavations at the House of the Painters Working revealed intriguing details that caught the researchers' attention. The unique characteristics of the collapsed buildings led to a deeper analysis, culminating in the discovery of the two skeletons with traumatic injuries. Mauro Di Vito, director of the INGV-Osservatorio Vesuviano, points out that this discovery is key to unraveling the mystery behind the destruction of Pompeii. The researchers have determined that the two individuals whose remains were found survived the initial phase of the eruption, only to later succumb to the collapse of structures caused by the earthquakes. These findings offer a new perspective on the final hours of the inhabitants of Pompeii, highlighting the decisions they made and the dynamics of the events that determined their fate. Valeria Amoretti, an anthropologist in charge of the Applied Research Laboratory at the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, mentions that the individuals found in the excavation may have been caught off guard by collapses caused by the earthquakes, leading to a tragic death. Forensic details indicate that the victims tried to protect themselves, showing the chaos and desperation that prevailed in the city during those moments of crisis. These new findings shed light on the complex interaction between volcanic eruption and seismic activity that culminated in the destruction of Pompeii. Recognizing the crucial role of earthquakes in this tragic event brings us closer to better understanding the history and experiences of those who lived through that fateful day in 79 A.D. The research continues, with the hope of shedding more light on the events that shaped the destiny of Pompeii and its inhabitants almost two millennia ago.